Rebels denounce claims of killing civilians in Adra: statement

Syria Islamist rebels denounced in statement, obtained by Zaman Alwasl, claims of killing over 80 civilians in the city of Adra al-Ummaliya northwest of Damascus.

The statement denied also kidnapping some families in order to be used as human shields.

Adra battle was a strategic step to break Eastern Ghouta siege, statement said, assuring that many of casualties were form militias loyal to the Syrian regime as many others have been killed due to Assad army shelling.

Forces loyal to al-Assad are continuing a large-scale operation against Jabhat al-Nusra and Liwa Al-Islam fighters, who captured the town earlier this week. The area is located some 20 kilometers away from Damascus.

The rebel presence remains strong in Adra, with “snipers entrenched in high-rise buildings. Many opposition militant groups are still acting in areas outside and within the town, RT pro-Assad television reported.